Radio Headphones Used by Theodore Haubner While Transmitting the First "SOS" Distress Signal, August 11, 1909

01

Artifact Overview

In 1909, telegraph operator Theodore Haubner sent the first American ship-to-shore wireless distress signal -- SOS. These headphones were part of his wireless equipment. Haubner was aboard the SS Arapahoe off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when it became disabled.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Headphones

Date Made

1908-1909

Subject Date

11 August 1909

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

39.559.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Theodore D. Haubner.

Material

Nickel (Metal)
Aluminum
Plate (Material)

Dimensions

Height: 6.25 in
Width: 7.25 in

Inscriptions

Stamped on exterior of each headphone: THE SCHMIDT-WILCKES ELECTRIC CO. / NEW YORK, U.S.A.
Radio Headphones Used by Theodore Haubner While Transmitting the First "SOS" Distress Signal, August 11, 1909